Klarinet Archive - Posting 000234.txt from 1997/11

From: Jrykorten@-----.com
Subj: Re: Vacuum test
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 1997 10:16:07 -0500

Niel,

IMHO A positive pressure test is better than a vacuum test. The vacuum test
will pull the pad toward the tone hole and actually seal better, leading to a
false positive conclusion. You can also risk pulling the skin away from the
pad.

If you blow into the horn to check for leaks it is better. The best is to
check the seating of each pad using a feeler.

Of course Frank Kaspar used to take a big drag off a cigarrette and blow into
my horn with his hand over the opposite end in order to check for leaks when
I was in Junior High School. (Made my clarinet smell kind of... different.)

Jerry Korten
NYC

In a message dated 97-10-29 13:38:27 EST, you write:

<<
Thus:

(1) Check intonation of each note throughout the range
(2) Vacuum test each joint for pad seal/leaks
(3) Guage resistance from bottom to top
(4) Check intonation at the 12th
(5) Mechanical function

What other routine objective investigation should occur
when testing a new horn?

Thanks,
Neil

---- >>